Button assembly for seat position control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button assemblies for reclining seats are difficult to install in space-constrained environments, particularly when limited space around the assembly requires holding the assembly from the underside during mounting.
Innovation Solution
The button assembly features flexible retaining members that compress to allow easy insertion into a seat panel from the outside, expanding to secure the assembly in place without needing to be held from underneath, facilitating simpler and quicker installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional button assemblies are mounted on seat panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes difficult in space-constrained environments requiring access from the underside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by enabling installation from the outside of the panel rather than requiring access from the underside. The button assembly is designed with external access features that allow installers to mount the assembly from the visible side of the panel, eliminating the need to reach into confined spaces beneath the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is divided into separate components including the button body, retaining members, and mounting features that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows the assembly to be constructed and prepared externally, then installed as a complete unit from the outside of the panel without requiring disassembly or complex manipulation in confined spaces.
2Reliability
If button assemblies are securely locked into panels, then reliable mounting is achieved, but installation time increases due to complex mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly incorporates pre-configured retaining members and locking features that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary actions ensure that when the assembly is installed from the outside, the securing mechanism engages automatically without requiring additional steps or tools, thus maintaining high reliability while reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting design enables the button assembly to secure itself to the panel through self-engaging retaining members that lock into place automatically during the external installation process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual securing procedures, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable mounting.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables reliable and cost-effective assembly of button assemblies in confined spaces, enhancing manufacturing ease and reducing installation complexity without requiring additional materials.
Implementation Method 1
flexible retaining members which compress to allow easy insertion into a seat panel from the outside, expanding to secure the assembly in place
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
Button assemblies for controlling a seat position and for mounting on a seat panel (140) are provided. The button assemblies may have a button housing (125) having a portion that is configured to position over edges of an opening (145) in the seat panel (140). One or more flexible retaining members (120) integral to or attached to the button housing (125) are configured to compress through the opening in the seat panel and expand therein positioned opposite an inner surface thereof upon insertion, securing the assembly within the opening.